“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” – HENRY FORD.
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Filipinos have been frequently treated to a good show (or a circus) when countless investigations are conducted in the Senate.
For the principal reason that the probe is in aid of legislation, a Senate investigation of a mess or mistake will proceed as approved in its resolution. (The same is true in the Lower Chamber.)
The oil spill in Oriental Mindoro by an oil tanker that submerged weeks ago exposed how government rules are half-heartedly implemented and the diligence of government authorities is examined under the microscope.
Thanks to the senators and they were able to determine that the government agencies – MARINA and the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) – failed to implement the pertinent maritime law to the letter.
It was determined and announced by the DOJ that the MT Princess Empress was already a 60-year old vessel that was rehabilitated to make it appear that it was almost a brand new ship (two years old) in certificates filed with the MARINA.
The Senate probe also was able to determine that even when the documents for registration of the submerged vessel were yet to be approved, it was allowed to sail and conduct business.
For whatever reason or reasons that may be concluded, the senators saw and heard how lax the concerned agencies are in implementing and enforcing the laws, rules and regulations concerning such.
Today, the toxic oil spill has affected directly the lives of more than two million residents of Oriental Mindoro and nearby areas, specifically the town of Pola whose Mayor declared that many of the residents are getting sick and unwell.
Even Calapan City and Verde island in Batangas City have been reportedly affected and the nearby islands in Antique.
It is not only the grave catastrophic and calamitous effect that the oil spill is causing and may have already caused that arouses anger, fear and exasperation.
More than this, it is the conclusive admission that the government agencies in charge did not exercise due diligence before allowing the ship to sail sans official permits and the necessary certificates.
Slowly, Pinoys are being led to believe that there are less than transparent men and women in the employ of the government who are not faithfully exercising their duties and functions.
The MT Princess Empress was a repeat of several oil spills in the past whose horrorific prominence were streamed in the media only for as long as the news reports were being read, watched and noticed.
After a while, the din and dust of the scandal and controversy die down almost quite naturally like the embers of a bonfire.
The grievous sea accident created an unwanted suffering among the people whose bread and butter comes from the bounty of the sea.
News reports say those adversely affected will receive “ayuda” from the government and compensation from the owners and management of the sunk veseel.
If this is done accordingly, it is a consolation of sorts.
But what of the men and women who were occupying government positions of authority whose negligence and laxity actually proved that they were, in part, co-authors in the aforementioned oil spill tragedy?
Will PBBM just allow this perilous incident to pass through like flipping the pages of a book one is reading?
Shouldn’t the responsible officials be identified and go through the democratic due process – and if proven guilty or otherwwise be promptly punished or acquitted accordingly?
The senators were able to get the sad and sorrowful admission that the officials concerned failed to look through the vessel’s documents and certificates with sharp eagle eyes.
it seems that the people appointed by the new Marcos administration are not moving together forward with the progressive development goals envisioned by the current Malacanang tenant.
The millions of Pinoys who voted and installed BBM to the highest position in the land and Sara Duterte as his very supportive Vice-President indicate just how much – with fervor and zeal – our countrymen desire this government to succeed and how!
For one, Filipinos obviously want this new regime to continue and sustain the gains of the previous administration especially in the areas of law and order, the illegal drugs campaign, the “Build, Build, Build” infra development program, among others.
Sometimes, one cannot help but yearn to see some heads rolling.
Hiring and firing are a part of good governance and effective management of government affairs. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
